Right on time

“The ( ) has such a super-organised infrastructure, you can almost set your watch by the train departure times.” (lonely planet traveller May 2016).

The answer is ‘Swiss’, but any visitor to Japan would agree that ‘Japanese’ can substitute it.

You can also set your watch by watching TV in Japan. They are right on time, and some channels show the time on the screen anyway.

Being punctual is one of the values the Japanese cherish. Ceremonies and official parties start on time. But how about people? It’s a big no-no to turn up at work late. We apologize profusely when we arrive slightly late.

But the Japanese are human, and some people simply cannot keep time. It is a headache for teachers to make students pass through the school gate on time in the morning.